If you’re planning to buy a home in 2026, especially in Fairfield County, Connecticut, preparation matters more than ever. Financing decisions made early in the process can directly impact your buying power, your negotiating position, and whether a transaction stays on track once you’re under contract.
We recently held a lunch & learn with a private wealth mortgage advisor from U.S. Bank, Jarret Coleman, where we discussed the most common buyer myths and financing missteps we see when working with purchasers across Fairfield County and beyond.
Below are the key issues that come up again and again, and how to avoid them.
1. Avoiding a Credit Pull
One of the most common buyer concerns is the fear of pulling credit too early.
The reality:
A hard credit inquiry typically impacts your credit score by just 1–3 points. When multiple lenders pull your credit within a short window (generally around 30 days), those inquiries are grouped together and do not stack.
Avoiding a credit pull often creates more risk than protection. Pulling credit early allows buyers to understand their true borrowing profile and address issues before they become time-sensitive problems during escrow, particularly in competitive Fairfield County markets.
2. Relying on “Soft” Credit Scores
Many buyers monitor their credit through apps or online dashboards that provide “soft” credit scores.
The reality:
These scores are not the same scoring models lenders use for mortgage underwriting. A buyer can appear well-qualified based on a soft score, only to discover discrepancies once a full credit report is run.
A full credit pull early in the process helps surface issues such as old collections, reporting errors, or account discrepancies before they jeopardize financing.
3. Waiting Too Long to Review Financing
Timing is critical when buying a home, especially in Fairfield County.
The reality:
Waiting until you’re under contract to fully review credit and financing can lead to delays, renegotiations, or missed opportunities. Early preparation allows buyers to move quickly and confidently when the right property becomes available.
In many cases, issues uncovered late in the process are not deal-breakers, but they become stressful when discovered under deadline pressure.
4. Taking On New Debt Mid-Process
This is one of the most underestimated financing missteps.
The reality:
New debt, such as a car purchase, new credit card, or large financed expense, can change your debt-to-income ratio overnight. Even small changes can reduce buying power or trigger additional lender requirements, which can be especially impactful at Fairfield County price points.
Buyers should avoid taking on new debt from pre-approval through closing unless cleared by their loan officer.
5. Changing Jobs Without Guidance
Career changes are common, but timing matters.
The reality:
Moving from W-2 employment to self-employed status, changing industries, or starting a new role without consulting your loan officer can complicate income verification. Lenders rely on income history, consistency, and documentation to determine eligibility.
Before making any employment changes, buyers should speak with their loan officer to understand how it may impact qualification.
The Takeaway for Buyers in 2026
The strongest buyers aren’t rushing. They’re preparing early, asking the right questions, and surrounding themselves with experienced professionals who can guide them through both the financial and strategic sides of the purchase, including the nuances of buying in Fairfield County.
If buying in 2026 is on your radar, early planning can make the difference between feeling reactive and feeling confident when the right home comes along.
Our team is always happy to connect buyers with trusted mortgage advisors and help you think strategically from day one.
